Megkeresztelés

Megkeresztelés is a Hungarian term that translates to "great baptism" or "re-baptism." It most commonly refers to a significant event in the history of the Anabaptist movement in Hungary. In 1529, in the town of Abony, a group of individuals, having already undergone baptism as adults, were re-baptized by immersion in a solemn ceremony. This act was a defining moment for the Hungarian Anabaptists, setting them apart from other Christian denominations and reinforcing their commitment to adult believer's baptism as a core tenet of their faith.

The term "megkeresztelés" highlights the significance they attached to this act of re-baptism, viewing it not as a simple repetition but as a profound spiritual renewal and a public declaration of their commitment to a life of discipleship according to their understanding of scripture. This event contributed to the persecution of Anabaptists in Hungary, as their practice was considered heretical by both Catholic and established Protestant authorities. Despite facing severe repression, the Anabaptist communities in Hungary persisted, and the memory of the megkeresztelés remained an important part of their identity and historical narrative. The practice of believer's baptism, as initiated by this "great baptism," continued to be a central distinguishing feature of the Anabaptist tradition in the region for generations.